Safety in Ulaan Baatar

Ulaan Baatar rates as one of the world's safer cities.

But for safety's sake you should follow a few simple guidelines…

Road safety

Genghis Khan's descendants might strike you as laid back and open minded most of the time.

But…

The Mongol hordes of yesteryear have taken to the road and their DNA has begun to assert itself behind the wheel!

In Ulaan Baatar you will find most pedestrian crossings near crossroads or major junctions. But Mongolian drivers have no respect for traffic lights, so these can prove dangerous places to cross.

Cross where you feel safest—for me that's away from pedestrian crossings and nowhere near a T-junction or red traffic light.

Note one: Mongolian drivers usually drive on the right. But the roads have so many potholes that in places the traffic just races around them.

Note two: U-turns are legal in Mongolia—beware!

Oh, and—don't forget to look down…

Manhole covers

When crossing the road you should look left, right and down. For that matter, you should keep a wary eye on the sidewalk as well.

Open manholes have caught many a drunk unaware. They often appear slap bang in the middle of your path.

Pickpockets and thieves

Pickpockets operate in some areas and target people when they are distracted.

Pay extra vigilance in the Central Post Office, Sukhbaatar Square, large department stores and crowded market areas.

Never keep your wallet in your back pocket. I've had a couple of people pat my pocket as I've crossed a road.

In busy market areas you should also beware of keeping valuables in a backpack—someone may slash your bag with a knife. Violent crime is rare, but bag slashing occurs often enough in busy markets.

Taxis

For decades, you just stuck-out your hand and caught the first car that stopped.

But in the last five years some drivers have started to rob the unwary.

So far, I have not had a problem. But I only catch registered taxis by calling the taxi firm direct. If you call one of the bigger firms, you will only have to wait for five to ten minutes.

You can reach City Taxi on 300-368. Dial 11 if outside of Ulaan Baatar

Safety at night

I walked across half the city every night for three years without serious incident.

But, if you go out after dark, it's best to go with a group. Criminals target the outside of busy nightclubs and pay special attention to those who look tipsy.

Street kids

Street kids are frail children living a hard life.

These kids may follow you down the street, even pat your pockets, but they are harmless. Just give them a firm 'no' or a sandwich.

Electrical Dangers

Safety standards do not operate at a western level.

The wires sticking out of a hotel wall could well give you a nasty shock.

If you have children, bring some duct tape to cover anything that looks dangerous.

And finally…

Ulaan Baatar is a safe place and most tourists go home without incident.

Just use your common sense, enjoy your trip, and tell everyone about the great time you had!